23 Best Things to Do in Haines, Alaska

The city of Haines is located along the northern part of Alaska’s Panhandle and serves as a popular destination for tourists visiting the nearby Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, which spans more than three million acres of wilderness near the Alsek River. The region is the traditional home of the Chilkat Tlingit indigenous people and developed in its present state as a result of the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century. Today, it is best known as the site of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, which attracts a significant number of tourists to the region between October and February, and the home of the annual Southeast Alaska State Fair in July. A wide variety of natural attractions, cultural galleries and museums, and excursion tour companies are also offered for visitors.

» Kroschel Films Wildlife Center

Kroschel Films Wildlife Center offers a unique chance to experience Alaska’s wildlife up close and personal within a controlled environment. The reserve was founded by filmmaker and naturalist Steve Kroschel as a habitat for orphaned and abandoned wild animals rescued throughout the Alaska region. It is located approximately 28 miles from Haines’ city center and showcases more than 600 yards of visitor trails, featuring opportunities to see species such as grizzly bears, wolves, lynxes, reindeer, and porcupines in their natural habitats. Guided tours are offered seasonally between May and September, including private tours for small groups and organizations. A gift shop also showcases handmade goods by Alaskan artisans.

» Chilkoot River

Chilkoot River was named for the indigenous settlement of the same name that was historically located along its banks near the body of water that is now known as Chilkoot Lake. The river spans 20 miles from its source at the Takshanuk Mountains and Freebee Glacier to Lutak Inlet and is noted as one of the Southeast Alaska region’s best spots for bear sightings. It is monitored by the Chilkoot River Corridor Strategic Planning Project, which aims to preserve its rich ecological heritage and historical significance. A camping area is located at the site of the former Chilkoot village, along with a boat launch and picnic shelters. Each Fourth of July, the river serves as the site of Haines’ annual Mad Raft Race.

» Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry

Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry is a transit service that traverses Lynn Canal’s Taiya Inlet, North America’s deepest and longest fjord. The passenger-only ferry runs between Haines and Skagway and showcases natural sights such as the Sawmill, Twin, and Long Falls waterfalls. Humpback whales, seals, and bald eagles are also visible seasonally. Trips last approximately 45 minutes, cutting the travel distance between the cities significantly as compared to driving distance. Naturalist guides are available on the journey to answer questions about the region’s natural history and wildlife, and complimentary beverages are available for passengers to enjoy. Visitors may bring bikes, kayaks, rafts, and pets aboard the ferry for an additional fee. Reservations are recommended to guarantee departure time and date availability. Private charters are also available for small groups and organizations with advance reservations.

» Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is an Alaskan state park and wildlife refuge that was designated in 1982 to protect the region’s bald eagle population, which is the largest known concentration of the species in the world. The park spans an area of more than 49,000 acres throughout the Haines region, centered around the Chilkat, Klehini, and Tsirku Rivers. It also protects natural salmon runs for five species of Alaskan salmon along the three rivers, preserving them for traditional uses and maintaining the region’s natural ecosystems. Up to 3,000 eagles can be sighted seasonally in the area between October and February, with prime eagle-watching sites available at river flats alongside the Haines Highway between mile markers 18 and 24.

» The Hammer Museum

The Hammer Museum is the world’s first museum dedicated to the preservation and display of historically significant hammers. The museum was opened in 2002 and showcases a collection today of more than 7,000 notable hammers from around the world, dating back as far as ancient Egyptian times. Collections are rotated throughout the year to create a fresh visitor experience, with up to 2,000 items on display at any given time. Hammers on display include tools used in manufacturing, construction, and production, along with specialty hammers used for purposes such as dentistry and musical instrument playing. Award-winning hammers from throwing competitions are also displayed. Tickets for the museum are available for individual purchase or as part of combination museum passes allowing admission to other Haines attractions, including the American Bald Eagle Foundation and the Sheldon Museum.

» Port Chilkoot Distillery

Port Chilkoot Distillery is an award-winning Haines distillery that produces small-batch artisanal spirits crafted to match the character of the final American frontier. All liquors use locally-sourced pure lake water, organic grains, and fresh herbs for flavor infusion to produce uniquely Alaskan spirits, including gin, vodka, bourbon, and absinthe variants. Notable liquors include the distillery’s Boatwright Bourbon, Icy Strait Vodka, Green Siren Absinthe, and nationally-renowned 50 Fathoms Gin, which received gold medals from the American Craft Spirits Awards and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The distillery’s tasting room, which is open to the public Mondays through Saturdays, offers flights and signature cocktails.

» The American Bald Eagle Foundation Museum

The American Bald Eagle Foundation Museum was the vision of Haines residents Dave Olerud and Hans Fluehler, who created the organization in 1982 to protect local populations of bald eagles and preserve their natural habitats. In 1994, the museum was opened to the public as a natural history facility offering visitors an up-close look at Southeast Alaska’s wildlife. Dioramas and exhibits detail the lives and habitats of land, sea, and air animals throughout the region, and a raptor center allows visitors to interact with the museum’s 12 resident avian ambassadors. Natural history talks are offered at the museum on a regular basis, and special events are hosted periodically, including museum celebrations related to the annual Alaska Bald Eagle Festival in November.

» Haines Borough Public Library

Haines Borough Public Library is Haines’ only public library facility, originally opened in 1928 by the Haines Women’s Club at a location at the Alaska Steamship Office. After several location moves, the current library facility was constructed in 2003, designed by architectural firm Minch Ritter Voelkers. The five-star library was the 2005 recipient of Library Journal’s award for the Best Small Library in America. It offers library cards for Haines area residents and visitors, along with free access to public computers and wireless internet service. Regional maps are also available for use and reproduction, including maps of nearby Canadian provinces and marine areas. Library meeting rooms may be reserved for use by small groups and organizations with advance registration.

» Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center

Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center is a historical museum showcasing the social culture and art of the Haines region from the indigenous era through the present day. The museum was opened to the public in 1980 and is an American Association of Museums-accredited facility, showcasing significant collections of artwork, cultural artifacts, books, photographs, and civic documents related to the history of Haines and the Southeastern Alaska region. Three main galleries are showcased, including the Hakkinen Gallery, which presents rotating history and art exhibits, and a Children’s Gallery that offers immersive educational experiences for young visitors. Semi-permanent exhibits presented at the museum’s Main Gallery have included large installations such as the Chilkat Valley Discovery Exhibit, which featured replicas of common Tlingit indigenous structures. A variety of public educational programming is presented by the museum, including children’s workshops and summer camps.

» Chilkat River

Chilkat River is a 50-mile river that stretches from British Columbia’s Chilkat Glacier to the Lynn Canal near the city of Haines and ultimately flows out into the Pacific Ocean near Juneau. The river drains an area of more than 1,400 square miles and is Southeastern Alaska’s most productive coho spawning region. Chum salmon, wild sockeye, and Chinook are also common in the river, which supports a large annual population of bald eagles. Other common wildlife species in the region include black and brown bears, moose, coyotes, wolves, and a large variety of waterfowl and shorebirds. Though there are no official visitor facilities along the river, bald eagle viewing is popular at spots between mile markers 18 and 22 along the Haines Highway. Visitors are advised to stay on established highway pullouts and to be careful not to disturb fragile populations of eagles or fish.

» Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Area

Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Area is a natural recreation site that is maintained by Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources, located approximately 10 miles northeast of the city of Haines at the southern end of Chilkoot Lake. The 80-acre recreation area offers a variety of outdoor natural activities, including some of the region’s best salmon fishing opportunities between June and October. Boating, canoeing, and kayaking are also popular day-use activities along the lake and river. 32 campsites are offered at the recreation area for overnight stay, with picnic shelters provided for guests. Visitors should note that the recreation area’s salmon runs are also heavily populated by bears and should exercise proper wildlife interaction etiquette to avoid harm and disruption to natural habitats.

» Haines Brewing Company

Haines Brewing Company was the vision of Paul Wheeler and Jeanne Kitayama and was originally opened to the public in 1999 at a location at the Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds. In 2015, the brewery moved its taproom operations to a location along the city’s main street, serving up to 49 customers at a time at its indoor facility, with an outdoor beer garden also offered seasonally. All of the brewery’s year-round and seasonal beers are tapped at the facility, which also offers growler fills. All brews are unfiltered and unpasteurized to create the freshest, most authentic handcrafted Alaskan ales. Notable beers include the brewery’s Captain Cook’s Spruce Tip Ale, Eldred Rock Red Ale, Devil Made Me Do It IPA, Lookout Stout, and flagship Dalton Trail Ale.

» Chilkat State Park

Chilkat State Park is located eight miles from Haines’ city center and spans more than 9,800 acres throughout the Alaskan wilderness, offering incredible views of the nearby Chilkat Inlet and Davidson and Rainbow Glaciers. Three main visitor trails are offered throughout the park, including the Seduction Pint Trail, Battery Point Trail, and high-elevation Mount Riley Trail. A boat launch provides access to spots for king salmon fishing, and several wildlife spotting scopes allow for viewing of whales, porpoises, and seals. 32 campground sites are offered at the park, including three beachfront tent sites. A log cabin interpretive center is also open to the public during the summer months, providing local informational and reference materials.

» Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center

Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center preserves the culture and heritage of the indigenous Klukwan village, a traditional Southeastern Alaskan Native settlement. Following disease epidemic concerns in the 20th century, many of the village’s traditional clan houses were abandoned for single-family dwellings and were sold or left to decay. Throughout the 1970s, a number of initiatives reinstated ownership of the tribe’s property that had been formerly kept within the clan houses. Today, many of these artifacts are displayed at the Heritage Center, which includes an exhibit hall and a traditional knowledge camp displaying artifacts such as canoes, long houses, and smokehouses. Guided tours of the facility are offered by local indigenous tour guides, and traditional drumming and dancing performances are showcased as part of the Center’s partnership with Chilkat Guides.

» Battery Point Trail

Battery Point Trail is a 3.7-mile wildlife trail near Haines that is easily accessible from Haines’ city center. The trail provides an easy hike that is highly accessible for visitors of all skill levels, with sections near the trailhead entrance that are paved. It traverses an old-growth forest and arrives at a pebble beach, which offers chances to spot marine wildlife such as seals, sea lions, and humpback whales during the early summer months. Other popular activities at the beach include swimming and picnicking, with fires kept under control permitted. The highly-trafficked trail is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike and is a common exploration site for tour guide companies. Dogs are welcome on the trail on leashes.

» Alaska Indian Arts in Haines

Alaska Indian Arts in Haines is an art gallery located within the city’s Fort Seward, which was originally constructed in 1904 as a peacekeeping military fort. The gallery is located within the fort’s former hospital building and has become an important site for the preservation and popularization of Native arts throughout the Haines region. It is open to the public Mondays through Fridays and is operated by artists Lee Heinmiller, Ben Bard, and Greg Horner. Art forms on display include silver jewelry, woodcarvings, and silkscreen prints. Daily cultural history lectures are presented by Heinmiller, elaborating on the region’s art history and the development of the gallery. A variety of art workshops are also presented periodically, along with studio demonstrations allowing visitors a chance to view artisans at work on their craft.

» Sullivan Island State Marine Park

Sullivan Island State Marine Park is located 20 air miles south of the city of Haines and spans more than 2,700 acres along Sullivan Island’s southern end. The park offers a variety of outdoor visitor activities, including opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Visitors should note that while boat access is provided, there are no anchorages on the island, making access difficult for craft other than canoes and kayaks. As weather and winds are unpredictable and beach access points are rocky, visitors should take care to bring all boats ashore above the island’s high tide mark. The island may also be viewed aboard several regional ferries and cruise ship routes.

» Saint James Bay State Marine Park

Saint James Bay State Marine Park is located approximately 45 miles from the city of Haines and spans over 1,000 acres along the Chilkat Peninsula and Lynn Canal near St. James Bay and its surrounding valley. The park is a popular recreational day-use area for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, boating, kayaking, and wildlife watching. It is accessible via float plane or via boat from Juneau, Auke Bay, or the Amalga Harbor boat launch. Visitors should note that there is no road access to the park and that the area experiences high average annual rainfall and snowfall, with inclement weather often setting in quickly and lasting for extended periods of time.

» Rainbow Glacier Adventures LLC

Rainbow Glacier Adventures LLC was founded in 1989 by Joe Ordóñez and provides high-quality tours throughout the Haines and Skagway regions. The company is committed to ethical eco-tourism practices and offers small group van, raft, and plane tours for groups of six to 14 visitors at a time, though tours can still operate with as few as two participants. Highly trained tour guides showcase the region’s spectacular natural sights, with wildlife viewing and photography tours available. All tours last between three and seven hours and offer various stops at sites such as Chilkoot Lake and Chilkoot Bald Eagle Preserve. Boxed lunches are included as part of some tours.

» Chilkat Guides, Ltd.

Chilkat Guides, Ltd. was the vision of Bart Henderson, who began providing expedition tours along the Tatshenshini River in 1978. Since then, the company’s offerings have expanded to sites along the nearby Alsek and Kongakut Rivers. Expedition-style excursions last between 10 and 13 days and offer camping, hiking, glacier exploring, and wildlife watching experiences. Daily floats are also available, showcasing the flora and fauna of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. All excursion guides are highly trained and provide insider information about the regions they explore, with all excursions exceeding safety standards. Food is provided for excursions, with dietary accommodations available upon request.

» Mountain Market and Spirits

Mountain Market and Spirits is located at the corner of Third Avenue and the Haines Highway, offering a wide variety of groceries, sundries, and prepared food and beverages. Grocery selections include organic and natural items, including fresh produce and locally-harvested fish, along with a variety of housewares and health products. Ripinsky Roasters coffee is served at the store’s cafe, which also offers fresh baked goods, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups, salads, and daily specials. A pizza menu is offered for takeout throughout the mornings and afternoons, with gluten-free crust options available upon request. The store is also Haines’ top source for quality craft beers, wines, and spirits, selling a variety of local products, regional and national favorites, and import labels.

» 33 Mile Road House

33 Mile Road House is a cafe and lodging house that serves as a popular gathering spot for the Haines community and for regional visitors alike. Cabins accommodating up to 10 visitors are available for overnight rental, with nightly, weekly, and monthly rates available. RV and tent camping are offered seasonally, with shower and laundry service available. A wide variety of diner food is served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including the roadhouse’s famous burgers, which have become a local staple. Other popular menu items include customizable omelets, hot sandwiches, chili, and ribeye steak dinners. Gas station services are also offered for local commuters and tourists.

» The Bamboo Room and Pioneer Bar

The Bamboo Room and Pioneer Bar was originally opened by Marty and Helen Tengs and Fran Fox in 1953 and has become a local Haines institution. A wide variety of classic American bar and diner fare is served at the restaurant, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Breakfast favorites include Eggs Benedict, cheese blintzes, and chicken fried steak, while lunch menu highlights include a wide array of burger and sandwich options, including healthier wrap sandwiches. For dinner, the restaurant is known for its famous locally-caught halibut fish and chips platter, seasonal crab and salmon, and homemade chili. A full children’s menu is offered, along with draft beer options from the Alaskan Brewing Company and Haines Brewing Company. Large screen televisions and pool tables are offered at the bar, and live music performances are showcased throughout the summer months.